The Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming a Professional Artist

Like the majority of Art School Graduates the dream was to leave college and make my living as a professional artist. It’s just under 10yrs since I graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with BA Hons in Drawing and Painting and I am lucky enough to be doing what I love, teaching for Paintbox as well as being able to concentrate on my own work as a professional artist. However, like everything in life it hasn’t been easy and here are somethings I wish I had known before becoming a professional artist-

You have to learn how to self promote- This is something I really struggled with in the beginning but if you don’t sing your own praises no one else will. The art scene is such a saturated market you need to learn to shout about what you do and how well you do it.

Be prepared to work normal jobs- I have done everything from waitressing, writing menu blackboards to nannying. You need to learn very quickly that unfortunately you probably won’t be able to live off your earnings as a professional artist straightaway. Get your head down, take any work you can to fund your passion and perseverance should pay off.

The influence of social media- Nowadays it’s SO important to have a social media presence. Facebook estimates that it has an average of 1.32 billion daily active users. For me, Facebook and Instagram are a must to create a following and get your name out there as a professional artist.

Think of being a professional artist as any other business- At the end of the day if you want to earn a living from your art you MUST think of it as your “small business”. That means your number one objective is to make a profit. Budget, manage your time and costings, and make sure that you aim to sell your products for more than what it costs you to produce. Now that last point seems obvious but so many artists don’t charge appropriately for the time, supplies, studio rent etc. Any cost that you incur to produce a piece should be covered in the final selling price.

It is about who you know- Networking is a massive factor that influences your position in the art scene. Having good relationships with fellow artists, gallery owners, framers etc can provide all kinds of opportunities.

It’s blooming hard work- For many artists the need to make ends meet means you will probably be doing a full time job. As well as this you will no doubt be working tirelessly in the studio to get your work ready for exhibitions, networking when you can and occasionally, once in a blue moon, you might actually have some free time to yourself!

Every mistake and hiccup can be learnt from- It sounds like a cliche but it is true. We learn so much about the practical side of art in Art College that the business side is often over looked. From registering as self employed to filing a Self Assessment. The life of a professional artist has many obstacles and as long as you keep learning along the way you will get there.

Don’t lose your artist focus- The most important thing to remember is that your passion is to become a Professional Artist. As in, you want to earn a living from selling your art. Through all the struggles and awful jobs just remember what your goal is and don’t give up!​

If you want to learn more about the do's and don't's in becoming a professional artist, the Paintbox Artist Bootcamp is for you! This course also qualifies for our current offer of 10% off when booking, secure your place now!